Christchurch residents will be showing the world just how much fun you can have after dark - with the lights off - when the city celebrates Earth Hour next weekend.
Next Saturday night (28 March) power switches will be turned off around the city as Christchurch again leads the way in demonstrating its commitment to protecting the environment.
Last year Christchurch was the only New Zealand city to participate in Earth Hour but this year 44 towns and cities across the country have signed on to be part of this global initiative which is being promoted by top celebrities like Cameron Diaz.
“People are really starting to swing in behind this initiative and are taking the opportunity to bring people together for a serious cause in a fun and memorable way,’’ says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Christine Prince.
“We’ve showed the rest of New Zealand that we know how to have fun in the dark and this year they’ve seen the light and are following our lead. I think as the concept of Earth Hour takes hold in this country I think we’re going to see our businesses coming up with some really innovative ways of getting across the message that we all have a part to play in protecting our environment.’’
Earth Hour is on March 28 from 8.30 to 9.30pm. During those 60 minutes every one is encouraged to switch off their lights and appliances.
Some 95% of businesses in Christchurch have signed up for Earth Hour this year. Among those taking part in the tourism and hospitality industries are:
• Hotel So
Drinks will be on the house for guests at Hotel So who turn up during Earth Hour with a torch or a headlamp.
The hotel will be switching off all its main lighting and providing its staff with headlamps to use during the evening. It is encouraging guests to do their part by offering a free drink to those who turn up with their own light source. Guests will also get a free drink if they put an energy saving idea in the Suggestions Box at reception.
Guests wishing to work out in the gym or use the sauna during Earth Hour will be provided with headlamps, while tea candles will be used to provide additional lighting throughout the hotel.
• Christchurch Tramway
For the first time, Christchurch Tramway Restaurant will stay stationary for one hour during its evening dining experience, in honour of Earth Hour. This colonial dining car will truly revert back to yesteryear by providing candlelit dinner service for the entire evening. At 8.30pm, the dining car will sit stationary over the Worcester Bridge. Diners can still expect to travel around the city before and after the Earth Hour, ensuring they still receive the same unique experience.
Christchurch Tramway normally would operate until 9pm, however as an additional gesture to Earth Hour, the last tram will finish for the night at 8.30pm.
• Crowne Plaza
Sweet treats by candlelight await a group of high-profile Australian conference organisers who will be dining at the Crown Plaza during Earth Hour.
With sustainable conferencing a hot topic within the business tourism industry, the Crowne Plaza will be able to demonstrate that Canterbury businesses walk the talk and take their commitment to the environment seriously.
• Millennium Hotel Christchurch
A complimentary surprise 'taste treat' will be provided to all guests dining in Restaurant PikoPiko, or enjoying refreshments and entertainment in the Millennium Lounge, in support of Earth Hour, with a gold coin donation encouraged in exchange, that will be matched dollar for dollar by the hotel, to be donated to the World Wildlife Fund, the charity behind the Earth Hour movement.
All the hotels exterior and non-essential public area lighting will be switched off at 8.30pm. Guests will be encouraged to likewise switch the lights off in their rooms and either enjoy the Earth Hour activity in front of the hotel in the Cathedral Square, or in the hotel itself with dinner by candle light in Restaurant PikoPiko and Live Jazz by candle light in the Millennium Lounge.
• Peppers Clearwater Resort
The resort is to host a candlelit wedding. After dessert is served the lights will be turned off and candles lit as the wedding couple have their first dance. Wedding guests will be treated to the reflection of the beautiful Lake Kaikanui by candlelight. Diners in ‘The Lakes Restaurant’ will also have the opportunity to dine by candlelight.
• Canterbury Museum
Canterbury Museum will be in lock down mode from 8.30pm with only the security systems and other essential building systems operating. Also, the flood lighting illuminating the front of Canterbury Museum will be switched off for the night.
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For further information and photos, please contact:
Anabel Darby
Mode Partners
Tel: (03) 379 2990
Mon: 021 668 090
Email: anabel@modepartners.com
